Nile Waters Dispute: Fill Rate Behind the Dam

The International Crisis Group published on 20 March 2019 a report titled "Bridging the Gap in the Nile Waters Dispute."

The study focuses on the different positions of Ethiopia and Egypt on the fill rate behind the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam under construction on the Blue Nile so that the downstream flow of Nile water does not adversely affect Egypt.

Nile Water Diplomacy

The Institute for Security studies published on 2 February 2018 an analysis titled "Will Egypt-Ethiopia-Sudan Diplomacy Placate Other Nile Countries?" by Duncan E. Omondi Gumba, regional coordinator in Nairobi for the ENACT project.

The leaders of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan recently met to discuss Nile water issues after weeks of frosty ties between Egypt and Sudan. The author concluded that any talks on this issue are doomed unless a basin-wide approach involving all 11 riparian states is followed.

Sudan-Egypt Ties: Not All Is Well

Al-Monitor posed on 31 March 2017 an article titled "Despite Talk of Good Relations, Security Concerns Darken Egypt-Sudan Ties" by Ayah Aman.

The article identifies a series of security issues that complicate Sudan-Egypt relations and suggests that Sudan is moving closer to the Gulf States and Ethiopia on several important regional matters such as countering terrorism and the Nile waters.

China's Maritime Silk Road

The Diplomat published on 22 January 2016 a note titled "Xi's Visit Cements Egypt's Place on the 'Belt and Road'" by Shannon Tiezzi.  She points out that the planned expansion of the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone will take 10 years to complete and involve an investment of $230 million. 

In another take on the subject, The Hindu published on 15 February 2016 an article titled "Djibouti, Myanmar and Sri Lanka Anchor China's Maritime Silk Road" by Atul Aneja.  The article argues that a new Chinese military facility in Djibouti along with major port development projects in Myanmar and Sri Lanka are defining the contours of China's Maritime Silk Road.

Grand Renaissance Dam: Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan

Foreign Policy published on 27 March 2015 a commentary titled "A Ray of Light for Africa's Dam of Discord" by Keith Johnson.  The author suggests that recent talks among the leaders of Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan on the Grand Renaissance Dam may allow Ethiopia and Egypt to pursue a more productive relationship, at least as far as security is concerned. 

China-Egypt Relations

The Diplomat published on 24 December 2014 an article titled "China's Egypt Opportunity" by Shannon Tiezzi.  Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi visited Beijing in December 2014 when the two countries upgraded their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership."  China is increasing its economic ties with Egypt at a time when US-Egyptian relations continue to be strained. 

Nile Waters Dispute Heading towards Peaceful Solution?

The Washington-based Institute for Defense Analysis published on 20 November 2014 a brief analysis titled "Nile Waters Dispute Tips toward a Peaceful Solution" by George Ward, editor of Africa Watch.

Ward concludes that Egypt's negotiating stance and public posture on the Nile waters question has moderated since the inauguration of Egyptian President al-Sisi.  Negotiations are no longer about whether there will be an Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam on the Blue Nile, but about the size, environmental and hydrological impact, and fill rate of the structure that will be completed.